Theatre Lighting Design, BA

Central helped me understand how my specialism can enhance the process of theatre making. Being part of such an eclectic community of theatre makers, enablers and facilitators fostered a safe space for creative risk taking. Overwhelmingly, the course has helped me find my voice and encouraged me to be bold in my approach.

Central was invaluable in providing me with the support to discover and hone my practice. I was able to build vital, risk-free experience in all aspects of the profession, with opportunities to work alongside industry professionals, graduates and other students who became part of my network. The course provided a fantastic springboard into the industry.

Ben Jacobs

Graduated 2016, was associate on Les Misérables in Tokyo and recently received three nominations in the Best Lighting Design category of the Off West End Awards.

Training at Central

Our joint emphasis on practical as well as aesthetic development gives you the opportunity to create highly innovative lighting design. The training includes practical projects in Central’s well-equipped studio and performance spaces, alongside a rigorous investigation of the design process and visual communication.

As you progress through the course, you will be encouraged to develop your own design style, supported by tutors, mentors and visiting professionals.

Industry focus at Central

You will benefit from Central’s industry focused teaching and research culture, which ensures that what we do and what we teach is at the forefront of knowledge and industry practice in theatre, events and concert touring.

You will be encouraged to experiment with a variety of both new and older technologies, including automated lighting, video, projection, LEDs and other emerging technologies, as well as more traditional theatre fixtures and even candles!

Throughout the course, you will be introduced to professional practitioners, including many successful graduates of the course, who will often be working alongside you in role, as mentors, and as project leaders.

Apply for 2019 entry via UCAS

We are still able to accept applications for 2019 entry through UCAS. UCAS will categorise your application as late but we are very happy to accept such applications and you will be invited for an interview.

Course Detail

YEAR 1: Introduction

Includes a solid grounding in ‘the tools of the trade’, building confidence in the practical side of creating stage lighting and working on developing your creative responses to texts and other sources.

You will be guided to develop ways of successfully collaborating, and working as part of multi-disciplinary creative and technical teams.

Short production projects offer opportunities to practice the roles, so that by the summer term, you will be ready to take on a lead role on a smaller show, or assistant on a larger production.

YEAR 2: Continuing the process of building practical skills and confidence as a designer

Through realised productions and speculative projects, you will work closely with students from other courses and visiting professionals

Develop your ability to communicate, negotiate and solve problems in a team environment

Workshops include working at height, working with electricity, programming, video design and event lighting.

By the end of this year, you will be confident in rigging, focusing and plotting lighting for other designers, as well as for your own independent work.

Complete at least one realised lighting or video design for a Central production.

YEAR 3: Focus on professional development

You will be able to take advantage of Central’s relationships with the lighting industry, including numerous alumni and leading international designers.

Begin to focus on your preferred career pathway.

There are opportunities to continue to develop the skills of a contemporary lighting designer or video designer and gain a further understanding of the technologies involved.

Projects offer experience of the managerial and creative demands faced by lighting designers on larger projects and productions.

You will take part in an exhibition presenting a portfolio of your best work to the industry.

Entry Requirements and Admissions

Minimum Entry Requirements

Our standard academic entry requirements range between 120 and 64 UCAS tariff points. You can see how many tariff points your qualifications would gain on the UCAS Tariff Calculator. International qualifications and others not covered within the UCAS tariff can also be accepted. Please email us if you need further clarification.

Please note that we make lower offers (including unconditional) to exceptional candidates and those who have alternative or prior experience to offer. All candidates invited to interview are asked to bring a portfolio. Interview and portfolio are key factors in determining which applicants are accepted on to the course.

Admission with Academic Credit

Application Details

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in higher education, such as students with disabilities and members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. Find out more information on Central’s commitment to equality and diversity.

Interviews

All candidates invited to interview are asked to bring a portfolio, which should demonstrate their experience of stage lighting (no matter how small that might be) and their understanding of, and passion for, the industry they wish to train for. For more on preparing a portfolio for a lighting course, see the Association of Lighting Designers website - Training section, where the Course Leader Nick Moran has written some guidance.

International Interviews

Each year Central hosts a number of interviews outside of the UK, with a team of tutors from Central traveling to meet applicants. The international interviews are designed to replicate the London-based interview experience in every aspect (other than a tour of our site!). See our Event Finder for listings of upcoming interview locations and dates.

International Students

Industry Links & Opportunities

Central’s lighting courses are supported by major industry partners, including White Light and PRG UK, Mesmer and 59 Productions (the video companies behind many large-scale theatre and opera productions). We also have strong links with smaller companies that were started by graduates, such as DBSL, Liteup Events and Cassius Creative.

A panel of industry experts helps final year students launch their professional careers. Many opportunities for lighting students come through the network of graduates already well-placed in theatre, concert touring and event industries. The course has excellent links with the Association of Lighting Designers (ALD), and local theatres and other venues which helps you to network in the industry, and to find placements and job opportunities.